Series & Grade

Promotion Potential

Supervisory Status

Who May Apply

Control Number

Job Announcement Number

Job Overview

Summary

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is the lead agency for the United States in carrying on a government-to-government relationship with the tribal nations. A challenging and dynamic place to work, it enhances the quality of life, promotes economic opportunity, and carries out the responsibility to protect and improve the trust assets of American Indian, Indian tribes and Alaska Natives.

In this position you will serve as the Great Lakes Restoration Program Manager for the BIA Midwest Region. Your duty station will be located in Ashland, WI.

You will assist the Midwest Deputy Regional Director for Trust Services in restoring, protecting, developing, managing and enhancing sustainable and quality Indian trust resources for the benefit of Indian people. Also fulfils and executes the Federal Government's trust and rights protection responsibilities relating to fish, wildlife and natural resource gathering, environmental protection, outdoor recreation and tourist-related resources of the Great Lakes watershed utilized by tribes for sustenance, cultural enrichment and economic development and support, and by promoting the restoration, conservation, development and wise use of these resources for the maximum benefit of Indian people.

NOTE: If the position is filled at a lower grade level, subsequent promotion to the next grade level will be processed without further competition under the Merit Promotion Program at such time as performance and qualification requirements are met and classification review discloses the duties being performed properly warrant classification to the next higher grade level.

NOTE: THIS IS A TERM POSITION NOT-TO-EXCEED 13 months; However, appointment may be extended to maximum limiation at management's discretion without further competition.

TRAVEL AND RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE AUTHORIZED. ANY RELOCATION EXPENSE ASSOCIATED WITH REPORTING FOR DUTY IN THIS POSITION WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SELECTED EMPLOYEE.

INDIAN PREFERENCE: Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC, Section 472). Verification of Form BIA-4432 must be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference. Indian Preference eligibles that are not currently employed with the Federal service will be appointed under the Excepted Service Appointment Authority Schedule A, 213.3112(A)(7).

Duties

Major duties, but not all inclusive, are as follows:

Serves as program manager and quality assurance specialist for the Region's government-to-government consultation with tribal governments for their participation in the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Program.

Travel Required

Relocation Authorized

Job Requirements

Key Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply to this position

A background investigation is required

A one year trial period will be required

Application will only be accepted online or by fax

Qualifications

By the closing date of this announcement, you must meet the minimum qualification requirements as outlined in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook and as identified in this announcement below.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

All applicants must meet one of the following:

A. Successful completion of a full four-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or a discipline related to this position. OR

B. An appropriate combination of education and experience that included course work equivalent to a major, in courses as shown in A above; PLUS appropriate experience or additional course work. The quality of the combination must demonstrate that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work of the position and is comparable to that normally acquired through the completion of a full four-year course of study with a major as described above.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: In addition to meeting the Basic Qualification Requirements applicants must also have one of the following:

To be eligible at the GS-11, you must possess one of the following:

A) One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level, GS-9, in the Federal Service. This experience is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled. Examples of specialized experience may include, but are not limited to the following: Participating in the planning and execution of natural resource studies with the work carried out independently in accordance with proven techniques, methods and practices; Preparing technical natural resource reports on the outcomes and making recommendations within established deadlines; Participating on a multi-disciplinary team tasked with developing a resource program in fisheries, natural resources or ecosystem/habitat management, using established fact-finding procedures to determine watershed/ natural resource issues, and presenting recommendations while ensuring compliance with such standards related to watershed restoration - Clean Water Act, Erosion Control BMPs, NEPA, Endangered Species Act, Historic Preservation Act  Section 106; Developing or preparing a technical review of policies, standards and practices; Participating in the restoration development and implementation, mitigation, protection, resource management, remediation or enhancement projects related to natural resources or environmental quality; and Performing routine budget administration functions such as the formulation, execution, and review of a program budget. (Your resume must support this experience). ORB) Successfully completed at least 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. Submit a copy of your transcripts with your resume if using this option to qualify. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study. If that number cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours should be considered an academic year of graduate study. ORC) A combination of specialized experience and education as described in A and B above. To compute the formula for qualifying under this combination, first determine your total qualifying education as a percentage of the education required for the GS-11 level; then determine the your experience as a percentage of the experience required for the GS-11 level; finally, add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent.

To be eligible at the GS-12, you must possess the following:

One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level, GS-11, in the Federal Service. This experience is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled. Examples of specialized experience may include, but are not limited to the following: Independently developing, planning, budgeting and implementing individual restoration, mitigation, protection, management, remediation or enhancement projects related to natural resources or environmental quality; Managing a fisheries, natural resources or ecosystem program, which consist of: strategy development, program and funding priority development, complex budget management, internal control implementation, evaluating projects for compliance, fact-finding reporting, performance measures, accountability reporting, long-range action plan preparation and detailed analysis reporting; Leading or collaborating with diverse natural resources or environmental entities to identify and fulfill scientific needs while ensuring compliance with standards related to watershed restoration such as Clean Water Act, Erosion Control BMPs, NEPA, Endangered Species Act, Historic Preservation Act  Section 106; and Serving as a technical resource on processes related to broad multiple-resource tribal programs such as tribal governments, public administration and tribal contracting. (Your resume must support this experience)

Note: One year of specialized experience is based on a 40-hour work week. If your have worked, or performed specialized experience less than 40 hours per week, your experience will be prorated.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to show how he/she satisfies the course requirements. If you do not provide information that clearly shows how your completed college course work meets the specific course requirements above, you will be rated ineligible.

You must submit a copy of your college transcripts to verify your education. Unless otherwise stated, unofficial transcripts are acceptable. If selected, you will be required to produce official transcripts.

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

SUITABILITY, CLEARANCE & REQUIREMENTS: A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.

Incumbent is required, as an incidental duty, to operate a government-owned or leased motor vehicle, in the performance of duties, therefore, a valid driver's license is required. Incumbent must have a safe driving record within the three-year period immediately preceding submittal of GSA Form 3607 and be able to meet the safe driving requirements of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Security Clearance

Q - Nonsensitive

Additional Information

What To Expect Next

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted.

Other Information

1. Preference in filling vacancies in the Bureau of Indian Affairs is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25 USC 472). Verification Form BIA 4432 must be submitted with the application if claiming Indian preference.

2. If you have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) you may apply for special selection over other candidates for this position. For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible see http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp#ictap. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 85 or above on the rating criteria for this position. Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP. This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of their most recent Performance Rating and a copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location. Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.

3. Category rating procedures will be used to rate and rank candidates. Under category rating, applicants who meet basic minimum qualification requirements established for the position and whose job-related competencies or knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) have been assessed are ranked by being placed in one of three predefined quality categories instead of being ranked in numeric score order. The Category Rating method does not add veteran's preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Preference eligibles that meet minimum qualification requirements and have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade lever or higher.

4. If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/59 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review in our office, in other Federal agency personnel offices, and on OPM's web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Friday, February 21, 2014 to receive consideration.* To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.* Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.* It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. * To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login , select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. * To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Faxing Applications or Supporting Documents:

You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. NOTE: If you applied online and your application is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203FX) as this will overwrite your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.

If you completed the occupational questionnaire online and are unable to upload supporting document(s):1. To fax your documents, you must use the following cover page http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf and provide the required information. The Vacancy ID is 1004617. 2. Fax your documents to 1-478-757-3144.

If you cannot complete the Application Package online, you may fax all of your materials. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Friday, February 21, 2014 to receive consideration. Keep a copy of your fax confirmation in the event verification is needed.

To complete the occupational questionnaire and submit via fax:

1. Click the following link to view and print the occupational questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire. 2. Print the 1203FX form, follow the instructions and provide your responses to the occupational questionnaire items http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdfimage/opm1203fx.pdf. 3. Fax the completed 1203FX form along with any supporting documents to 1-478-757-3144. Your 1203FX will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. Do not overstate or understate your level of experience and capability. You should be aware that your ratings are subject to evaluation and verification.

Applicants are expected to possess the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) listed below to qualify for this position. These KSAs are addressed in the self-assessment questionnaire that you will complete for this announcement. You do not need to respond separately to the KSAs listed below. Your answers to the on-line experience questions will serve as responses to the KSAs. Your application will be evaluated based on your ability to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities/competencies (KSAs):

Knowledge of the theories, principles, and methods of natural resource conservation and management with special emphasis on watershed management, in order to to direct and control program activities

Ability to manage a natural resource program including program planning, budget, and reporting.

Ability to communication orally and foster positive interpersonal relationships with a variety of individuals or groups.

Ability to communicate in writing

Qualified candidates will then be placed in one of three categories:

· BEST QUALIFIED

· WELL QUALIFIED

· QUALIFIED

Please make sure that your responses to the assessment questionnaire are supported in your resume. Follow all instructions carefully as errors or omissions may affect your score. Please note that if a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher in the self assessment than is apparent in your description of experience and/or education OR your application is incomplete, you may be rated ineligible, not qualified, or your score may be lowered.

APPLICATION OF VETERAN'S PREFERENCE: The Category Rating method does not add veteran's preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification requirements and have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade lever or higher. An agency may not select a non-preference eligible over a preference eligible in the same category unless the agency receives approval to pass over the preference eligible in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3318.

NOTE: Persons submitting incomplete applications will be given credit only for the information they provide. The applicant is responsible for submitting all required documentation in support of their application in order to receive full credit for their Indian preference, veteran preference, experience, training, and/or education. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL NOT BE SOLICITED FROM THIS OFFICE.

Your resume, curriculum vitae, the Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF 612), or any other written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications can be submitted electronically using the document upload process or by fax. Please be sure to include all of the following information in your resume:

Your full name, mailing address (with zip code) and day/evening telephone numbers; Country of Citizenship. If ever employed by the Federal Government, please show the highest Federal civilian grade held, job series, and dates of employment in grade.

Education - High school name, city, state, and zip code, date of diploma or GED. For any colleges and/or universities attended, include city, state, and zip code; major field(s) of study; type and year of degree(s) received. If no degree was received, show total credit hours received in semester or quarter hours.

Work Experience - List each paid or non-paid position held related to the job for which you are applying (do not provide copies of job descriptions). Include job title; duties and accomplishments; number of hours worked per week; employer's name and address; supervisor's name and phone number; starting and ending dates of employment (month and year); and salary. For seasonal employment, list starting and ending dates for each period of work. Indicate if your current supervisor may be contacted.

Your application and all supporting documentation must be received by 12:00 midnight (Eastern Time) on the closing date. Note that you will be allowed to apply more than once, but the last application is the only one that will be used.